Tonic Imobility ???

[Dark_Knight_9C1]

I was watching a show on tracking sharks and when they hauled the shark up next to the boat to instrument it, they first rolled it over on its back. This was supposed to immobilize it by something they called "tonic immobility". Is this for real and if so does anyone does anyone try to do it?
I imagine it would be pretty hard to do with anything with a large dorsal fin. It seems it would also be difficult on a beach as opposed to in the water beside a boat.
Honestly, I think the shark can't breath since since it's not moving in the water and that's why it stops struggling. Am I wrong?

-Keith

[Pinoyfisher]

I believe it's a real thing. I've seen it done on Discovery/Animal Planet and fishing shows. Would definitely need deep enough water to accomplish it.

[Dark_Knight_9C1]

Here are a couple additional "facts" from Wikipedia
"Scientists believe that tonic immobility in sharks may be related to mating, because female sharks seem more responsive than males. During tonic immobility, the dorsal fin(s) straighten, and both breathing and muscle contractions become more steady and relaxed."

[BenCantrell]

This is hot.

[Dark_Knight_9C1]

And it's even easier "With tiger sharks 3–4 metres (10 to 15 feet) in length, tonic immobility may be achieved by placing hands lightly on the sides of the animal's snout approximate to the general area surrounding its eyes. " and give them a smooch...

[WheresMyBeer]

yes it is real

[BackBayMan]

There's no part of putting my hands near the business end that I like the sound of

[Dark_Knight_9C1]

It was cut and pasted right out of Wikipedia so it must be true.